Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mechanics and timing of egg capsule release by the littoral fringe periwinkle Littorina planaxis (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia)

  • Published:
Marine Biology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The mechanics and timing of egg release are fundamental reproductive adaptations of littorines having complete pelagic development. Female Littorina planaxis release large (5 to 15 mm) planktonic egg masses that contain thousands of minute egg capsules (400μm in diameter). The gelatinous matrix of the mass disintegrates after several hours of immersion in seawater, freeing individual pelagic egg capsules. Egg mass release is highly correlated with spring tide conditions, occurring during the daily highest tide. Pairing activity (copulation) also occurs primarily during spring tide periods. Laboratory and field evidence suggest that female spawning patterns are, in part due to endogenous rhythms. Brief descriptions of the pelagic egg capsules, planktonic egg mass, and oviposition are given to clarify previous observations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature Cited

  • Anderson, D.T.: The reproduction and early life histories of the gastropods Bembicium auratum (Quoy and Gaimard) (Fam. Littorinidae), Cellana tramoserica (Sower.) (Fam. Patellidae) and Melanerita melanotragus (Smith) (Fam. Neritidae). Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 187, 62–68 (1962)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandel, K.: Studies on Littorinidae from the Atlantic. Veliger 17, 92–114 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Berry, A.J. and E. Chew: Reproductive systems and cyclic release of eggs in Littorina melanostoma from Malayan mangrove swamps (Mollusca: Gastropoda). J. Zool., Lond. 171, 333–334 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Borkowski, T.V.: Reproduction and reproductive periodicities of Southern Floridian Littorinidae (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia). Bull. mar. Sci. 21, 826–840 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, D.G.: Mating behavior in Littorina planaxis. Veliger 7, 134–139 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Grahame, J.: Spawning in Littorina littorea (L.) (Gastropoda: Prosobranchiata). J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 18, 185–196 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hewatt, W.G.: Notes on the breeding seasons of the rocky beach fauna of Monterey Bay, California. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. (Ser. 4) 33, 283–288 (1938)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kojima, Y.: The relation between seasonal migration and spawning of the periwinkle, Littorina brevicula (Philippi). Bull. biol. Stn Asamushi 9, 183–186 (1959)

    Google Scholar 

  • —: On the reproduction of periwinkles, Littorinidae, Gastropoda. Bull. biol. Stn Asamushi 10, 117–120 (1960)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebour, M.V.: The eggs and larvae of some prosobranchs from Bermuda. Proc. zool Soc. Lond. 115, 462–489 (1945)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenderking, R.E.: Some recent observations on the biology of Littorina angulifera Lam. of Biscayne and Virginia Keys, Florida. Bull. mar. Sci. Gulf Caribb. 3, 273–296 (1954)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lysaght, A.M.: The biology and trematode parasites of the gastropod Littorina neritoides of the Plymouth Breakwater. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 25, 41–67 (1941)

    Google Scholar 

  • MacGinitie, G. and N. MacGinitie: Natural history of marine animals, 2nd ed. 532 pp. New York: McGraw-Hill Co. 1968

    Google Scholar 

  • Marcus, E. und E. Marcus: Mesogastropoden von der Küste São Paulos. Abh. math.-naturw. Kl. Akad. Wiss. Mainz 1, 1–105 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mileikovsky, S.A.: Types of larval development in Littorinidae (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia) of the world ocean, and ecological patterns of their distribution. Mar. Biol. 30, 129–135 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray, T.E.: Development in Lacuna and Littorina (Mesogastropoda: Littorinacea) from California with emphasis on egg masses, egg capsules and larvae, 69 pp. MSc. Thesis, Pacific Marine Station, University of the Pacific 1974

    Google Scholar 

  • Pilkington, M.C.: Eggs, larvae, and spawning in Melarapha cincta (Quoy and Gaimard) and M. oliveri Finlay (Littorinidae: Gastropoda). Aust. J. mar. Freshwat. Res. 22, 79–90 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ricketts, E., J. Calvin and J. Hedgpeth: Between Pacific tides, 4th ed. 614 pp. Stanford: Scanford University Press 1968

    Google Scholar 

  • Struhsaker, J.W.: Breeding, spawning, spawning periodicity and early development in the Hawaiian Littorina: L. pintado (Wood), L. picta Philippi, and L. scabra (Linné). Proc. malac. Soc. Lond. 37, 137–166 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yamada, S.B.: Range extension in Littorina sitkana Philippi, 1845, and range contraction in Littorina planaxis Philippi, 1847. Veliger 19, p. 368 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pacific Marine Station, Dillon Beach, California, USA

    R. J. Schmitt

  2. Catalina Marine Science Center, Avalon, California, USA

    R. J. Schmitt

  3. Department of Biology, University of California, 90024, Los Angeles, California, USA

    R. J. Schmitt

Authors
  1. R. J. Schmitt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Communicated by M.R. Tripp. Newark

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schmitt, R.J. Mechanics and timing of egg capsule release by the littoral fringe periwinkle Littorina planaxis (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia). Mar. Biol. 50, 359–366 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387013

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387013

Keywords

Search

Navigation